ASSEMBLY PAPERS TUESDAY 19 MAY. Tel: Fax: Scottish Charity Number: SC011353

Transcription

1 2015 ASSEMBLY PAPERS TUESDAY 19 MAY Tel: Fax: Scottish Charity Number: SC011353

2 30 TUESDAY 19 MAY SESSION IV Tuesday 19 May 9.15am 1. Constitution of Assembly (Commissioners are asked to stand for items marked *) * Hymn (CH4 113) 1. God the Father of Creation, source of life and energy, your creative love so shapes us that we share your liberty. Teach us how to use this freedom loving children all to be, loving children all to be. 2. Jesus Christ our Lord and brother, in your cross we see the way to be servants for each other, caring, suffering every day. Teach us patience and obedience never from your path to stray, never from your path to stray. 3. Holy Spirit, love that binds us to the Father and the Son, giver of the joy that fills us, yours the peace that makes us one, teach our hearts to be more open as we pray God s will be done, as we pray God s will be done. 4. Members of our Saviour s body, here on earth his life to be, though we stand as different people, may we share the unity of the Father, Son and Spirit, perfect love in Trinity, perfect love in Trinity. Words Iain D Cunningham; used by permission

3 TUESDAY 19 MAY 31 Reading Ephesians 2: Reader: Rev Murdo Smith, Presbytery of Uist (Gaelic reading) 11 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called the uncircumcision by those who are called the circumcision a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God. The Lothian Gaelic Choir sings 'Athchuinge' ('Prayer of Supplication') O Rìgh nan dùl s nam feart tha shuas Do bheannachd gràsmhor dòirt a nuas Le r tìr s le r teangaidh soirbheich fhèin S biodh clann nan Gàidheal fo sgàil do sgèith. O Ruler of the Universe and of the hosts above, pour down your gracious blessings. We plead for the success of our land and language; and may Highland generations be sheltered under your wing. Melody and arrangement by John MacDonald ( ) Reflection Called to Unity * Prayer

4 32 TUESDAY 19 MAY * Psalm 133 (CH4 536) 1. Behold, how good a thing it is, and how becoming well, Together such as brethren are in unity to dwell! 2. Like precious ointment on the head, that down the beard did flow, Ev n Aaron s beard, and to the skirts did of his garment go. 3. As Hermon s dew, the dew that doth on Sion hills descend: For there the blessing God commands, life that shall never end. 4. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom we adore, be glory, as it was, and is, and shall be evermore. The Scottish Psalter, Minutes 3. Report of the Church and Society Council (Reports 12/1) 4. Joint Report on the Implementation of the Tenure Commission Recommendations (Reports 13/1) 5. Report of the Iona Community Board (Reports 14/1) 6. Report of the Safeguarding Committee (Reports 15/1) ORDER OF THE DAY 2pm Stevenson Prize

5 TUESDAY 19 MAY 33 JOHN KNOX 500 YEARS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL 4.00pm or at the close of business Following the close of business today, a special event is being held in the Hall to mark the 500 th Anniversary of the birth of John Knox. An illustrated presentation will be given by Professor Jane Dawson of New College, the world s premier Knox scholar. Some brief reflections will be offered by the Rev Professor David Fergusson on the current profile of Reformed theology and its enduring value in an ecumenical context. During the event, the Assembly choir will sing, from the Wode Psalter: Psalm 19, verses 1-3 'The heavens and the firmaments do wondrously declare' text Thomas Sternhold, harmonisation David Peebles 'Humble suit of a sinner' text John Marckant, harmonisation Andrew Blackhall. The Edinburgh University portrait of Knox, used on the dust jacket of Professor Dawson s book, can now be seen in the foyer of New College. There will be a small display of Knox books in the New College Library. The items sung may be heard and the music downloaded free of charge for local use from Signed copies of the book may be purchased after the session.

6 34 TUESDAY 19 MAY MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CONVENED AT EDINBURGH, 16 MAY 2015 At Edinburgh, and within the Assembly Hall, the 16th day of May 2015 years, at 9.30 am, Session I. After public worship in the Assembly Hall, conducted by the Right Rev John Pearson Chalmers BD, Moderator of the General Assembly, the Commissioners elected as members of the General Assembly appointed to be held this day convened, and the General Assembly was duly constituted with prayer. The Roll of Commissioners was laid on the table. The General Assembly proceeded to the election of a Moderator, when it was unanimously agreed that the Rev Angus Morrison MA BD PhD be appointed Moderator. The appointment was intimated to Dr Morrison who was welcomed by the Moderator, and, after the Prayer of Consecration, took the Chair. Her Majesty s Commission to the Rt Hon Sir James Arthur David Hope, Baron Hope of Craighead, Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, appointing him to represent Her Royal Person in this Assembly, was then read with all due honour and respect and ordered to be recorded. Her Majesty s Gracious Letter to the General Assembly was also read with all due honour and respect and ordered to be recorded. His Grace, The Lord High Commissioner addressed the General Assembly in a speech from the Throne, and the Moderator made suitable reply. A Committee was appointed to prepare an answer to Her Majesty s Gracious Letter, viz: Rev Graham W Beebee (697) Miss Anne Mulligan DCS (57) Mrs Sheila C Proudfoot (639) Very Rev John P Chalmers, Convener The General Assembly called for the Report of the Standing Committee on Commissions, which was given in by the Acting Principal Clerk who reported as follows:- That all commissions had been received and were in order. The Standing Orders of the General Assembly were laid on the table. The General Assembly appointed a Committee for arranging the Order of Business, viz:

7 TUESDAY 19 MAY 35 Rev Dorothy U Anderson (517) Rev Dr Nelu l Balaj (534) Mr Bruce Brown (227) Rev James M Brown (711) Rev Neil Buchanan (324) Rev Scott Burton (498) Mr Paul Cathcart DCS (321) Rev David W Clark (363) Rev Alistair Cumming (699) Mrs Isabelle Farr (229) Rev Sandor Fazakas (669) Rev Dr John A Ferguson (549) Rev Graham S Finch (249) Mrs Ella Gill (645) Rev F Derek Gunn (327) Rev Mary M Haddow (490) Rev William T Hogg (131) Rev Joanne C Hood (328) Rev Esther M M Jamieson (679) Mrs Kay Keith (139) Rev Bryan Kerr (204) Rev Sheila M Kirk (598) Mr William Love (209) Rev Gillean P Maclean (584) Rev Elaine MacRae (430) Rev Dr Peter McEnhill (220) Mrs Kay McIntosh DCS (73) Mrs Isabell A Montgomerie (167) Mrs Libby Muir (210) Rev Valerie J Ott (132) Mrs Susan Pym (708) Mr Ian J A Robb (546) Rev Duncan Shaw (64) Rev Suzie Stark (22) Rev Barbara-Ann Sweetin (540) Mr Douglas Taylor (547) Mrs Alice Tulloch (722) Mrs Marjory Williamson (420) Rev Dr Derek Browning, Convener Ms Judith Pearson, Vice-Convener The General Assembly agreed that the members of the Business Committee should serve as the Panel of Tellers. The General Assembly appointed a Committee to prepare a Minute on Deceased Ministers, Missionaries and Deacons, viz: Very Rev John P Chalmers, Convener Acting Principal Clerk Acting Depute Clerk The General Assembly called for a Report anent the Celebration of Holy Communion in the Assembly Hall on Monday 18 May 2015 at 9.15 am. The General Assembly approved the Report. The General Assembly suspended their sitting at am until am. ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE The General Assembly called for the Report of the Assembly Arrangements Committee which was given in by the Rev Dr Derek Browning, Convener. It was moved and seconded- The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. 2. Approve the Order of Business for the first two days. 3. Appoint Mr Roy Pinkerton to index the verbatim record. 4. Invite commissioners to submit to the first meeting of the Business Committee nominees for consideration to serve on the Selection Committee. 5. Instruct the Committee to consider arrangements for the electronic distribution of the volume of Assembly Reports and to bring a report to the 2016 General Assembly.

8 36 TUESDAY 19 MAY 6. Instruct the Committee to make Long Service Certificates available for presentation to elders for thirty years service and then at ten year intervals beyond thirty years service. SCOTTISH BIBLE SOCIETY 7. Urge the Scottish Bible Society to pursue its current efforts highlighting the Bible s key role in building healthy churches and communities. 8. Support the Society in its desire to work in partnership with congregations to improve Bible engagement and its application to everyday life. 9. Endorse the Society in its efforts to encourage confidence in the gospel and in providing Scripture resources for mission purposes. 10. Commend the Society s global outreach to the generosity of congregations and members. 11. Appoint Rev Sandy Gunn and Rev Dr Norman Maciver to the Scottish Bible Society s Council of Church Representatives. It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of Section 6:- After elders add and others. It was moved and seconded as a countermotion to Section 6:- Instruct the Committee to consider abolishing the Long Service Certificates and encourage congregations to explore unique and relevant ways to celebrate good work done by members. On a vote being taken between the motion and the counter-motion the motion carried and the General Assembly resolved accordingly. It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:- Add a new Section 7 and renumber: Appoint the Rev John Cowie to be the Church of Scotland representative on The Esdaile Trust and the Rev Moira McDonald to be the Church of Scotland representative on The Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy of the Church of Scotland. The Moderator welcomed Ms Elaine Duncan, Executive Director, Scottish Bible Society, who addressed the General Assembly. On behalf of the Directors of the Society, Ms Duncan presented a Bible to the Moderator, who gave thanks for the gift and the work of the Society, wishing it well for the future. The Deliverance as amended was then agreed. DELEGATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The General Assembly called for the Report of the Delegation of Assembly which was given in by the Acting Principal Clerk, Chairman. It was moved, seconded and agreed- The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report of the Delegation of the General Assembly and thank it for its work. 2. Continue the appointment of the Delegation with the same powers as hitherto -- the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly to be Chairman and the Depute Clerk of the General Assembly to be Vice-Chairman.

9 TUESDAY 19 MAY 37 APPEALS COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY The General Assembly called for the Minutes of the Appeals Committee of the Commission of Assembly which were laid on the table. MINISTRIES APPEAL PANEL The General Assembly called for the Minutes of the Ministries Appeal Panel which were laid on the table. COMMITTEE ON OVERTURES AND CASES This Committee had not met and there was no Report. RETURNS TO OVERTURES The General Assembly called for the Report of the Committee on Classifying Returns to Overtures which was given in by the Acting Principal Clerk, Convener. It was moved and seconded- The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. 2. Convert into a Standing Law of the Church the Ministers and Deacons in Civil Partnerships Overture as amended, as printed in Appendix B. 3. Agree that the Joint Report received from the Theological Forum and the Legal Questions Committee regarding the effect of the introduction of same sex marriage on the provisions of the Overture should be presented directly to the General Assembly at an appropriate point in the business by the Convener of the Theological Forum. The General Assembly suspended their sitting at pm until 2 pm. On a vote being taken For or Against Section 2, there voted For 309 and Against 182 and the General Assembly resolved accordingly. Rev John Lochrie (154) entered his dissent to which the following commissioners adhered: Rev Gordon Kennedy (12) Rev Nigel G Watson (26) Rev Kevin W Donald (77) Rev Keith L Mack (80) Rev Marion Clark (97) Rev Alexander I Currie (143) Rev Tom McWhirter (145) Rev Derek Peat (159) Mr Frank Potter (170) Rev Gavin A Niven (178) Rev James J McNay (191) Rev James S A Cowan (214) Rev Francis E Murphy (222) Rev Ian M Barber (226) Mr William Mathieson (233) Mr James Gemmell (254) Rev Margaret H Johnston (257) Rev Jonathan Keefe (258) Rev Mark Lowey (261) Rev Calum D Macdonald (263) Rev Murdo MacLean (264) Rev James A McIntyre (268) Rev David M White (279) Mr William Gray (293) Miss Anne R Weir (319) Rev Leslie N Brunger (323) Rev Derek W Hughes (329) Rev Gordon Palmer (335) Mr Douglas Pearson (351) Rev Fergus C Buchanan (361) Rev Ramsay B Shields (369) Rev Andrew Barrie (379) Rev David Carruthers (380) Ms Fiona Morrison (395) Rev Aftab Gohar (401) Rev Joyce A Keyes (404) Rev Andrew J Moore (406) Rev David J Smith (409) Rev James Todd (410)

10 38 TUESDAY 19 MAY Mrs Anne Coulter (414) Mr Eric C Smith (422) Rev Jerome O Brien (432) Rev Andrew A Morrice (449) Rev Allistair D Roy (465) Rev Stanley A Brook (475) Rev Robert Mallinson (519) Rev Scott C Guy (552) Mr Brian Fowler (562) Mrs Hazel Hewitt (564) Rev Colin J Dempster (574) Rev Dennis S Rose (575) Rev Kevin Gruer (597) Rev Dr Alan Macgregor (599) Rev Alexander Buchan (610) Rev Isabel C Buchan (611) Rev Andrew Barrie (626) Rev Trevor G Hunt (627) Rev Scott A McRoberts (629) Rev Dr Hugh F Watt (631) Mr Robert A Macintyre (635) Mr Alasdair Murray (638) Mrs Joyce Mitchell DCS (640) Rev Stephen Macdonald (649) Rev John Macpherson (658) Rev Dr John B Sterrett (659) Mr Stuart McClelland (661) Mrs Jean Macrae (672) Mr Donnie Morrison (673) Rev Murdo Smith (676) Mr Wilson McKinlay (678) Rev Thomas MacNeil (680) Rev David Logan (701) Rev Kim Hurst (715) The General Assembly took up consideration of Section 11 of the proposed Deliverance of the Report of the Ministries Council as a proposed new Section 3 of the Deliverance of the Report of the Committee on Classifying Returns to Overtures. It was moved, seconded and agreed- Pass an Act amending Act VIII, 2003 on Vacancy Procedure (as amended) as set out in Appendix 2 of the Report of the Ministries Council. The General Assembly resumed consideration of the Deliverance of the Report of the Committee on Classifying Returns to Overtures. The Deliverance as amended was then agreed. COUNCIL OF ASSEMBLY The General Assembly called for the Report and Supplementary Report of the Council of Assembly which were given in by the Rev Dr Grant Barclay, Convener. It was moved and seconded- The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report and Supplementary Report. 2. Commend Presbyteries and their congregations for their continuing engagement with the National Stewardship Programme. 3. Urge Presbyteries and congregations to continue their involvement in the three year cycle (Time, Gifts, Money) of the National Stewardship Programme and encourage them to utilise the advice and expertise of the Stewardship Consultants. 4. Note progress of the Joint Working Group on Strategic Funding and Resource Allocation, endorse the direction of travel and note the Council s intention to report more fully in Note the discussions on the future format of the Yearbook. 6. Approve changes to the membership and remit of the Committee on Church Art and Architecture. 7. Approve a change to the membership of the Audit Committee. 8. Approve the total to be contributed by congregations in 2016 of 46,055,000, based on the projection of congregational income for 2016, and

11 TUESDAY 19 MAY 39 its disposition among local congregational expenditure, the Parish Ministries Fund and the Mission and Renewal Fund. 9. Note the Council s proposal to increase the total available for Presbyteries to allocate to individual congregations and for other local purposes from 4% to 5% of the total Ministries and Mission contributions for Note the indicative budget for 2016, the five year rolling budget for , the summary of operating results for 2014 and the analysis of 2013 congregational accounts. 11. Note the welcome effect of the expansion of the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme in Receive the 2014 Report and Accounts of the Unincorporated Councils and Committees of the General Assembly. 13. Note the appointment from 27 June 2015 of Anne Frances Macintosh as Acting General Treasurer and conferupon the said Anne Frances Macintosh, Acting General Treasurer of the Church, full power to discharge all legacies, bequests or donations which may have been or may be left, bequeathed or made to the Church of Scotland, or any of the Schemes, Councils, Committees or agencies thereof, or which may have been or may be left, bequeathed or made to the United Free Church of Scotland or to any of the Schemes, Boards or Committees or agencies thereof and which in terms of the Agreement with the continuing United Free Church of Scotland fall to the Church of Scotland or its Schemes, Councils, Committees or agencies, and to sign all Discharges, Agreements, Indemnities, Undertakings, and other Deeds which may be necessary in connection therewith. It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of Section 4:- After endorse the direction of travel add and invite Presbyteries to fully discuss the challenges outlined in and send their responses to the Convener of the Joint Working Group before 31 December 2015,. It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:- Add a new Section 5 and renumber: Instruct the Joint Working Group on Strategic Funding and Resource Allocation to give consideration to ways in which payments for pastoral services (eg funerals) paid locally to those not in receipt of a stipend may be met by a reallocation of funds towards Presbyteries rather than being met by congregations and investigate ways in which the issue of Ministries and Mission allocations to congregations in long term vacancies can be addressed. It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:- Add a new Section 14: Instruct the Council, in consultation with the Central Services Committee and other appropriate Councils and Committees, to report to the General Assembly of 2016 on the future of the Church Office buildings at 121 George Street, Edinburgh. The Deliverance as amended was then agreed. Mr Iain Grimmond, who was retiring from the post of General Treasurer, was thanked by the Moderator for his noteworthy service to the Church.

12 40 TUESDAY 19 MAY LEGAL QUESTIONS COMMITTEE The General Assembly called for the Report of the Legal Questions Committee which was given in by the Rev Dr Alan Hamilton, Convener. It was moved and seconded- The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. 2. Insert a new Standing Order 83 and renumber subsequent Standing Orders accordingly. 3. Delete the existing Standing Order 111(25) and substitute a new Standing Order 111(25). 4. Pass an Act amending the Discipline of Ministry Act (Act III 2001) as set out in Appendix A. 5. Delete the existing Standing Order 111(8) and substitute a new Standing Order 111(8). 6. Note that the minimum period of notice required of intention to marry is now at least 28 clear days. 7. Instruct the Committee, in consultation with the Law Department and the Stewardship and Finance Department, to consider the purpose and timing of a congregation s Stated Annual Meeting and report to the General Assembly of Amend Standing Order 33 1.(b) as set out in the Report and dispense with the observance of Standing Order 33 1.(b) in so far as it requires one week s notice of the name(s) of the Corresponding Member(s) appointed by The Church of Scotland Pension Trustees. It was moved, seconded and agreed as an amendment of the Deliverance:- Add a new Section 9: Urge Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries to ensure that whenever possible a notice of removal is sent when a Certificate of Transference is issued. The Deliverance as amended was then agreed. Mr James McNeill QC and Mr Andrew Gibb, on their retirals as Convener and Vice- Convener of the Presbyterial Commission respectively, were thanked by the Moderator for their noteworthy service to the Commission and the Church. JOINT REPORT ON THE SOLEMNISATION OF MARRIAGE The General Assembly called for the Joint Report of the Legal Questions Committee, the Ministries Council, the Church and Society Council, the Ecumenical Relations Committee and the Theological Forum on the solemnisation of marriage which was given in by the Rev Dr Alan Hamilton, Convener, Legal Questions Committee. It was moved, seconded and agreed- The General Assembly: 1. Receive the Report. Dr Hamilton, on his retiral as Convener of the Legal Questions Committee, was thanked by the Moderator for his noteworthy service to the Committee and the General Assembly. The General Assembly adjourned at 4.22 pm to meet again in this Hall this evening at 7 pm, whereof public intimation having been made, the Sederunt was closed with prayer. ASSEMBLY HALL EDINBURGH, 16 May 2015, 4.22 pm

13 TUESDAY 19 MAY 41 CONVENED AT EDINBURGH, 16 MAY 2015 At Edinburgh and within the Assembly Hall, the 16th day of May 2015 years, at 7 pm, Session II. The General Assembly did again convene and was constituted with prayer. The Very Rev John P Chalmers BD, Retiring Moderator, addressed the General Assembly, and was thanked by the Moderator for his distinguished and valued service during his year of office. The General Assembly received the following Delegates and Visitors: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rt Rev Dr Michael Barry, Moderator; Mrs Esther Barry; Rev Dr Trevor McCormick, Chaplain; Mrs Margaret McCormick; Mr Stanley Bond, Elder The Presbyterian Church of Wales Rev Neil Kirkham, Moderator; Mrs Pamela Kirkham The United Reformed Church Rev David Grosch-Miller, Moderator; Rev John Humphreys, Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland The Church of England Rev Canon Jane Charman, Director of Learning for Discipleship and Ministry, Diocese of Salisbury The Methodist Church in Scotland Rev Dr David P Easton, Chair of the Synod Religious Society of Friends General Meeting for Scotland Elizabeth Allen, Assistant Clerk and Elder, South East Scotland Area Meeting The Roman Catholic Church Bishops Conference of Scotland Monsignor Philip Kerr, Vicar General and parish priest The Salvation Army Lieut-Col Jonathan Roberts, Assistant to the Secretary for Scotland The Scottish Episcopal Church Rt Rev Dr Nigel Peyton, Bishop of Brechin; Mrs Anne Peyton The United Free Church of Scotland Rev Gary Barclay, Moderator The Congregational Federation in Scotland Rev Susan Durham, Youth and Children Committee Convener; Mr John Durham Action of Churches Together in Scotland Rev Matthew Ross, General Secretary Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Rev Graham McGeoch, Deputy Moderator, Board of Trustees World Council of Churches Rev Dr Jooseop Keum, Director, Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana Rt Rev Dr Seth Senyo Agidi; Rev Godwin Osiakwa Presbyterian Church of East Africa Rt Rev Julius Guantai Mwamba Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Blantyre Rev Peter Kandulu Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Rev Ini Ukpuho Presbyterian Church of South Sudan Rev John Yor Nyiker Deng Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa Rt Rev Mukondeleli Ramulandi; Rev Lungile Mpetsheni Presbyterian Church in Canada Rev Dr Richard Fee Presbyterian Church (USA) Rev Dr Kenneth Kovacs Church of North India Rev Swarup Bar The Presbyterian Church of Korea Rev Dr Kim Gueon Soo Nepal Ebenezer Bible College Rev Ram Kumar Budhathoki Presbytery of Lanka Rev Dr Roderick Campbell and Mrs Sue Campbell The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan Rev CHENG Wen-Jen and Mrs CHENG TU Yu-Chu Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren Rev Magdaléna Trgalová

14 42 TUESDAY 19 MAY Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland Rev Vesa Häkkinen and Mrs Nina Häkkinen Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) Rev Michael Mehl Tavola Valdese Mr Massimo Long Church of Norway Ms Beate Fagerli and Mr Thomas Sandnaes Reformed Church in Romania (Királyhágómellék District, Oradea) Rt Rev István Csűry; Rev János Antal Synod of the Nile of the Evangelical Church of Egypt Rev Dr George S Elyas Diocese of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East Canon Hatem Shehadeh; Dr Emil Shehadeh National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon Rev Ibrahim Nseir The Presbyterian Church of Australia Very Rev Dr Bob Thomas The reception of the Delegates and Visitors being completed, the Moderator welcomed them on behalf of the General Assembly. The Rev Canon Jane Charman and the Rt Rev Mukondeleli Ramulandi addressed the General Assembly in the name of the Delegates and Visitors and were thanked by the Moderator. The General Assembly adjourned at 9.11 pm to meet again in this Hall on Monday 18 May at 9.15 am for Holy Communion, and thereafter for business, whereof public intimation having been made, the Sederunt was closed with prayer. ASSEMBLY HALL EDINBURGH, 16 May 2015, 9.11 pm

15 TUESDAY 19 MAY 43 AMENDMENTS TO ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS Presbytery of Glasgow Delete Mrs Elizabeth Walker (317) Substitute Mr Graham Mackie Presbytery of St Andrews Delete Mr Mike J Ciesla (484) Substitute Ms Elaine Dowie Presbytery of Glasgow Delete Mr K G Donald Mackenzie (296) Presbytery of Falkirk Delete Mrs Charlene Condeco (412) Presbytery of Kirkcaldy Rev Elisabeth Cranfield (462) Presbytery of Gordon Delete Rev Richard Reid (587) Presbytery of Buchan Delete Mrs Maureen H Esson (604) Delete Mr Robert M Esson (605) Youth Representatives Mr Samuel Lund (839), Sutherland Presbytery

16 44 TUESDAY 19 MAY NOTICES OF MOTION The Rev David McLachlan (269) has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of Section 13 of the Deliverance: After inherently evil add, urge the Government not to proceed with the renewal of the Trident Nuclear Weapons system. The Convener has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council she will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Delete Section 14 and substitute: Call on the UK Government to provide unconditional humanitarian aid to refugees in the Mediterranean, including taking additional refugees from the region; to work with European partners to develop a long-term strategy to combat the criminal gangs who are smuggling people; and to actively build peace and safety throughout Africa and the Middle East. The Rev David McLachlan (269) has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 15 and renumber: Note the resolution of the European Parliament of 17 December 2014 and the debates in the House of Commons on 13 October 2014, the House of Lords on 29 January 2015 and the Scottish Parliament on 21 April 2015, and urge the UK Government and European Union to recognise without delay the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, as a contribution to securing lasting peace and justice for all. Mr Duncan Logie (825) has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 15 and renumber: Instruct the Council to investigate the possible impacts of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on vulnerable people in society, and express concern that such comprehensive free trade agreements can often lead to increased inequality and further stratification between communities of differing economic situations.

17 TUESDAY 19 MAY 45 The Rev Dr John L McPake (333) has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 24 and renumber: Call upon the United Kingdom Government, the Scottish Government, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Welsh Assembly to establish a constitutional convention, with respect to the better governance and enhanced participation, and in accordance with the will of the peoples of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Rev Dr John L McPake (333) has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 24 and renumber: Instruct the Council, in consultation with the Ecumenical Relations Committee, to engage with sister churches in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales with respect to the better governance and enhanced participation of the peoples of these nations. The Rev Graeme Beebee (697) has given notice that on the Report of the Church and Society Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 24 and renumber: Instruct the Council, in consultation with relevant bodies, to explore ways to continue and expand the respectful dialogue across Scotland to address the ongoing tensions and aggression within the political debate and to foster healing and reconciliation across communities. The Rev Professor David Fergusson (7) has given notice that on the Report of the Ministries Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of Section 7 of the Deliverance: Add at the end, including the prospect of assigning a fractional equivalent of the ministerial stipend to candidates during their training course.

18 46 TUESDAY 19 MAY The Rev Ian Aitken (548) has given notice that on the Report of the Ministries Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 9 and renumber: Instruct the Council to consider the implications of the Regulations on Remuneration and Reimbursement for those engaging in bi-vocational, post-sharing and/or part-stipendiary Parish Ministry posts and report to the 2016 General Assembly. The Rev Colin Sinclair (20) has given notice that on the Report of the Ministries Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of Section 17 of the Deliverance: Add at the end in consultation with the Church Art and Architecture Committee. Mr John McCulloch (90) has given notice that on the Supplementary Report of the Ministries Council (Order of Proceedings p47) he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 4 and renumber: Ask Presbyteries and congregations to note that ministers who take maternity leave are permitted to add it to their normal holiday entitlement. The Rev Brian Dobby (693) has given notice that on the Report of the Social Care Council he will move the following AMENDMENT of Section 4 of the Deliverance: Delete Instruct and substitute Urge. Mr Ian Robb (546) has given notice that on the Report of the General Trustees he will move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Add a new Section 6 and renumber: Instruct the General Trustees to amend the Manse Condition Schedule to require that Kirk Sessions ensure that their manses comply with the revised statutory guidance on the requirements for smoke alarms, so improving the safety of ministers and their families, to be implemented by the end of December 2019.

19 TUESDAY 19 MAY 47 The Chairman has given notice that on the Report of the Church of Scotland Trust he will ask the Principal Clerk to move the following AMENDMENT of the Deliverance: Delete the existing Section 2 and add new Sections 2 and 3 and renumber: 2. Join with the Trust in congratulating Alwin Samuel on his election as the new Bishop of Sialkot and pray for him as he commences his duties as Bishop within the Diocese of Sialkot. 3. Note the Trust s intention to delay commencing discussions with the Pakistani Government with a view to transferring its Pakistani properties to the Government, either national or provincial, in terms of the 1958 Act, to be used for the benefit of the Christian community in Sialkot until 1 January 2016 to allow the new Bishop of Sialkot time to put a body in place which will be a suitable body to receive the Trust s properties. The Convener has given notice that on the Report of the Nomination Committee he will ask the Principal Clerk to move the following AMENDMENT of Section 5 of the Deliverance: Add: Arbitration Panel Member Retiring Arthur McDonald Ministries Council Vice-Convener Appointed John Dent (Dundee: Logie St John s (Cross)) Minister Appointed Alistair Cook (Paisley: Lylesland) Mission and Discipleship Council Minister Resigned Sandi McGill Members Appointed Joanna Love DCS (3 yrs) (Glasgow: Colston Milton), Alastair Stark (1 yr) (Glenrothes: St Columba s) Presbyterial Commission Convener Appointed David Burns (Edinburgh: Colinton) Theological Forum Elder Appointed Gavin Brydone (Edinburgh: Canongate) Delete: Mission and Discipleship Council Member Appointed Cara Chalmers (1 yr) (Orwell and Portmoak)

20 48 TUESDAY 19 MAY PUBLIC NOTICES ABERDEEN ALUMNUS LUNCH Augustine Church, George IV Bridge Wednesday 20 May pm 2pm All Aberdeen alumni welcome NEW COLLEGE ALUMNI LUNCH New College Garden Thursday 21 May pm All New College alumni welcome APS Group Scotland, 21 Tennant Street, Edinburgh EH6 5NA. Tel: